FOOTBALL: Manager Ford goes to end eight-year spell at Oxford City

The club announced in a statement last night that Ford, who joined City in 2006 and became their manager in 2009, would not be in charge next season.

It read: “Following a directors meeting last night, the club have announced that Mike Ford will not be in the 1st Team Manager role next season. “The directors wish to sincerely thank Mike for all his hard work and dedication over his eight years at the club.”

Former Oxford United captain Ford kept the club in the league by the skin of their teeth this season after surviving a lengthy battle against relegation.

Their cause was not helped by an administrative error that saw them deducted three points.

Ford said last night: “We met to discuss a few things and it was agreed that I would move on.

“I would like to thank the club for giving me the opportunity and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

“When I took over, they were mid-table in Division 1 South & West and we lost my first two games something like 5-0 and 6-2.

“I leave them looking forward to a third season in Conference North.”

He added: “When you add in that we twice reached the FA Cup first round, I think I can feel very proud of my work there.

“When we had a meeting in January, my remit was to make sure I kept the club in the division. “I have done that, so can leave with my head held high.”

Ford had been looking forward to a new campaign next season, saying after the Bank Holiday defeat at Brackley: “We all need to sit down and work out what we’re going to do. It’s been a difficult season, there’s been no continuity at all.”

Now he won’t get that chance.

City added in their statement that further announcements would be made in the coming weeks.